Unique Ecosystem - Birds
Osprey is a bird of prey that feeds on fish. It is distributed along the coasts, lakes, and rivers of all continents except Antarctica. Ospreys can often be observed here in the Oki Islands, thus attracting attention. The male osprey is around 54 cm in length and the female around 63 cm, almost the same as a black kite (Milvus migrans). The osprey has a dark brown back and eye-catching white underparts. The bird hovers and then plunges feet first into the water to catch fish, after prey is sighted.
The osprey builds nests on rocks in coastal areas, or on Japanese red pine trees (Pinus densiflora) in inland areas.
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Scientific Name
Pandion haliaetus
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Classification
Family Pandionidae
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Migratory Classification
Resident bird: lives in the same region of Japan year round, including breeding; generally no seasonal migration
